Price Guide for 1918 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23.00 – $2,800.00Uncirculated: $13.50 – $45,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.01 – $821.05Uncirculated: $219.99 – $5,583.10
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $950.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $4,000.00Uncirculated: $7.60 – $64,000.01
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eBayCirculated: $13.50 – $774.95Uncirculated: $26.50 – $3,087.49
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $825.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $110,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.25 – $6,000.00Uncirculated: $12.75 – $340,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.50 – $1,351.00Uncirculated: $748.00 – $26,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $1,825.00Uncirculated: $1,950.00 – $375,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1918 Half Dollar
The 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar was part of the iconic series designed by Adolph A. Weinman, which ran from 1916 to 1947. This coin was minted during World War I, a significant period in American history. The Walking Liberty design is considered one of the most beautiful in U.S. coinage history, symbolizing the nation’s stride towards the future with Liberty leading the way.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Denver and San Francisco); No mint mark for Philadelphia |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Walking, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with wings spread, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollars. Due to their long circulation and the softness of the silver alloy, finding high-grade examples can be challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS65 and above, are scarce and command significant premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s hand and the eagle’s feathers, are highly desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significantly to the coin’s appeal and value.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or wear are more valuable.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s value, while unattractive or artificial toning can detract from it.
Mintage: 6,634,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,853,040
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 10,282,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can influence the value of 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollars beyond mintage and condition:
1. Historical significance: As a World War I-era coin, it holds additional interest for collectors of historical numismatics.
2. Design appreciation: The Walking Liberty design is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in U.S. coinage, increasing collector demand.
3. Silver content: The coin’s 90% silver composition gives it intrinsic value beyond its numismatic worth.
4. Set completion: Many collectors seek to complete date and mint mark sets of Walking Liberty Half Dollars, driving demand for all issues.
5. Preservation rarity: While not rare in lower grades, high-grade examples (MS65+) are scarce and highly sought after.
